Diary of an Arcade Employee

Poison Ivy

So you couldn’t see Meatballs. Maybe you just didn’t have the cash for the theater ticket, or maybe Mom was leary of Bill Murray. Whatever the reason, NBC had you covered. In 1985, they brought us the Meatballs-esque Poison Ivy.

Poison Ivy featured NBC stars Michael J. Fox and Nancy McKeon as summer camp counselors. At least I think that’s what they were. To tell you the truth, I can’t remember much about the movie except that Fox and McKeon were in it. I also remember that one of the campers was so in love with McKeon that he took off his clothes and rolled in poison ivy so he would get infected and she would have to treat him (maybe that means she was the nurse?). As a guy who is terminally allergic to poison ivy, it is a scene that gives me the chills every time I think of it (which is usually every time I’m in nature). It really was a step too far for me. Hey, I loved Jo Polniaczek as much as the next guy, but I think I love my skin a little more. Lastly, I remember I loved this film because it was indeed my Meatballs.

(Apparently the film jumped to ABC at some point. I can’t explain that one.)

If you’re like me and just barely remember this film, you’re in luck. The entire thing is up on YouTube. Refresh your memory, and don’t forget the calamine lotion!